Citroen and DS Automobiles have issued a rare ‘stop-drive’ recall on several of its models due to a serious airbag issue. While a normal recall instructs drivers to take their car to a dealer for remedial work as soon as possible, a stop-drive recall takes the further step of instructing owners to cease driving their car until remedial work is carried out, indicating an increased level of danger. It is believed that the action affects thousands of cars in the UK.
The models affected are as follows:
- Second-generation Citroen C3 models built between 2009 and 2016
- Citroen DS3 models built between 2009 and 2016
- DS Automobiles DS 3 models built between 2009 and 2019
- Citroen C4 models built between 2010 and 2018
- Citroen DS4 models built between 2010 and 2018
- Citroen DS5 models built between 2010 and 2018
The move relates to airbag inflators made by Japanese automotive parts company Takata, problems with which have resulted in recall notices being issued by numerous car manufacturers around the world, relating to numerous models. It has been found that chemicals in these inflators may deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to hot and humid conditions. This deterioration can cause the inflators to rupture in the event of a crash leading to airbag deployment, which could possibly cause serious injury or, in a worst-case scenario, a fatality.
Stellantis - the parent company of Citroen and DS - had already issued a comprehensive recall campaign relating to Takata airbag issues across parts of southern Europe where the climate is most likely to cause issues with the hardware, and that recall action has extended gradually northwards, and now includes the UK. No incidents have been reported in the UK as yet, however.
All affected customers will be notified by letter (provided their address and contact information is up to date with the DVLA), and instructed on next steps. Alternatively, owners can enter their car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) into a checker tool on the Citroen website to see if their car is affected and receive similar guidance. Your VIN can be found on the V5C registration document of you car, or at the base of the windscreen, or in a panel in one of the front door openings. It's a 17-digit code, in this case starting with VR7 or VF7. Owners can also call Citroen’s Recall Helpline on 0800 917 9285.
The next steps and remedial work necessary can vary according to multiple factors such as airbag specification, vehicle age and vehicle usage among others, so it’s important to follow the guidance given in each individual case.
What should I do if my car is affected?
First and foremost, don’t drive it. If yours is one of the affected models from the affected model years, use the online checker tool on the Citroen website to see what steps need to be taken. If remedial work is needed, arrange for it to be done as soon as possible, although be aware that this might take some time due to the large number of vehicles affected.
Because you can’t use your car in the meantime, keep a record of any travel expenses you incur as a result, such as train tickets, taxi fares or car hire costs. Citroen/DS hasn’t stated publicly if/how it plans to compensate owners for such costs, but it can’t hurt to be prepared.